Resources for Landlords and Renters
We hope these resources support you as our Maui community moves forward together.
Becoming a Landlord
We can only meet Maui’s immediate long-term housing needs if many more homeowners become landlords. Luckily, becoming a landlord involves just a few steps.
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You should sign a lease agreement with your tenant. It protects both of you. This is a basic Hawaii lease agreement.
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Call your home insurance company and they will help you update your insurance to protect you as a landlord.
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In Maui County, you can apply for a long-term rental exemption, which lowers your property taxes, for leases that are 12 months or longer. The application is here.
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In Maui County, long-term rental properties pay the lowest property tax rate (besides owner-occupied homes). Update your property tax classification by contacting the Maui County Real Property Assessment Division at rpa@mauicounty.gov.
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If you are collecting rent, you must get a GET license and file GET returns based on your rental income. You can find information here. It is quick and easy to apply for a GET license online at Hawaii Tax Online.
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If you are housing fire survivors, you can get direct financial assistance from the Host House Support Program, administered by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and funded by the American Red Cross and Hawaii Community Foundation, in partnership with Maui County.
Housing Resources
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Family Life Center has been providing housing services in Hawaii for decades, and has been working hard on the temporary mid-term housing project Ohana Hope Village in Kahului.
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The Maui Tenants Association advocates for renters and has a renter’s hotline.
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Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) administers multiple housing assistance programs.
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Convened by the Hawaii Community Foundation, House Maui has been posting a lot of great information about housing programs and opportunities.
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Free printable Hawaii lease templates at eForms.com. You do not need to make an account to download or print an empty template.
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The Legal Aid Society lists several resources addressing multiple housing issues, including Section 8, housing assistance, and foreclosure.
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This highlights the rights of both landlords and tenants according to Hawaii state law.
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This is the Maui County department tasked with expanding access to affordable housing.